#6 - Yup, label everything. I use ¾" painter's tape to label every block, always use an alphanumeric spreadsheet-like system to keep track of rows and columns, and consistently place the tape label on the upper left corner of every block to keep track of orientation. I've never gotten a block out of place or oriented incorrectly. I try not to iron directly on the tape when pressing seams, but it doesn't hurt the tape or fabric when I do iron the back of the fabric and realize after flipping it over that I inadvertently pressed over where the tape is. It never leaves any kind of adhesive residue. I often leave my tape labels on all the blocks until the top is completely assembled, then I remove the tape (sticking each one in order on the side of a plastic bin I keep my supplies in so I can re-use them for other projects until they no longer stick to anything) before giving the whole quilt top a final press prior to making my quilt sandwich.
I only learned from YT videos that some people use the cutting mat for measuring. That never occurred to me before 😄 I did not use to label my fabric and design boards but with a recent, more conplicated quilt I used both and they have helped a lot - especially as I cannot sew every day and sometimes there are weeks and months in between picking up the same project. I am still not good with making test blocks. I have a hard time convincing me that it is not a waste of time 😅
Hello Ginny! I just now found this video and I. So happy to hear what you say about mistakes. Plus I like just listening to yiu speak - It too fast, not too slow. I’ve watched a gazillion quilt videos (s,Ishtar exaggeration😁😁) and some I just can’t watch all the way through or never even go back to watch any more - many reasons here!!! Your labeling ideas are super and a quilter doesn’t have to rush out and purchase something! I took screen shots of your two labels😁😁😁. I’ll be going back to your page and watching the rest of your videos!
I’ve made a few cutting mistakes in my quilt life - what I find interesting is that I’ve never make a cut too large - it’s always too small!! She has some very good ideas about hoping not to make a mistake. First one is not to cut all your fabric at the beginning!
"Read all the pattern instructions thoroughly before starting o make the quilt." That's because many quilt patterns have typos and instruction errors. If you can't read the pattern and keep it all straight in your head, make a test block. Just this week the cutting instructions was a 2 1/2 " x 12 1/2" cut. WRONG!! When I looked at the position of the piece in the block, it was 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" cut piece. Illustrations that say put Block C next to Block A. WRONG! Block A is twice as long as Block C. What it should been printed is Block B. Looking at the illustration and checking the piece dimensions on the cut sheet, would find the error. Also saying put Fabric 3 Block A when the illustration clearly shows Fabric 1 Block A. All these are typos. These were not free patterns, but patterns by well-known designers that the pattern cost was higher than the usual $12 pattern. Patternmakers need to thoroughly proofread their patterns and illustrations, or better yet, someone not very advanced in quilting read it and find the problems. Even better, learn technical writing through a course. That will prevent errors. And have several different detail oriented people proofread the pattern.
#6 - Yup, label everything. I use ¾" painter's tape to label every block, always use an alphanumeric spreadsheet-like system to keep track of rows and columns, and consistently place the tape label on the upper left corner of every block to keep track of orientation. I've never gotten a block out of place or oriented incorrectly. I try not to iron directly on the tape when pressing seams, but it doesn't hurt the tape or fabric when I do iron the back of the fabric and realize after flipping it over that I inadvertently pressed over where the tape is. It never leaves any kind of adhesive residue. I often leave my tape labels on all the blocks until the top is completely assembled, then I remove the tape (sticking each one in order on the side of a plastic bin I keep my supplies in so I can re-use them for other projects until they no longer stick to anything) before giving the whole quilt top a final press prior to making my quilt sandwich.
Thank you for sharing and watching! 🌻What a great process you have set up. The painters tape is a great find!
I only learned from YT videos that some people use the cutting mat for measuring. That never occurred to me before 😄
I did not use to label my fabric and design boards but with a recent, more conplicated quilt I used both and they have helped a lot - especially as I cannot sew every day and sometimes there are weeks and months in between picking up the same project.
I am still not good with making test blocks. I have a hard time convincing me that it is not a waste of time 😅
Thank you for sharing! 🌻
Hello Ginny! I just now found this video and I. So happy to hear what you say about mistakes. Plus I like just listening to yiu speak - It too fast, not too slow. I’ve watched a gazillion quilt videos (s,Ishtar exaggeration😁😁) and some I just can’t watch all the way through or never even go back to watch any more - many reasons here!!! Your labeling ideas are super and a quilter doesn’t have to rush out and purchase something! I took screen shots of your two labels😁😁😁. I’ll be going back to your page and watching the rest of your videos!
Aw, thank you so much! So glad you are enjoying my channel! It means a lot. Thank you for watching! 🌻
I’ve made a few cutting mistakes in my quilt life - what I find interesting is that I’ve never make a cut too large - it’s always too small!! She has some very good ideas about hoping not to make a mistake. First one is not to cut all your fabric at the beginning!
Thank you for sharing and watching! 🌻
Thank you for sharing.
My pleasure! Thank you for watching!🌻
"Read all the pattern instructions thoroughly before starting o make the quilt." That's because many quilt patterns have typos and instruction errors. If you can't read the pattern and keep it all straight in your head, make a test block. Just this week the cutting instructions was a 2 1/2 " x 12 1/2" cut. WRONG!! When I looked at the position of the piece in the block, it was 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" cut piece. Illustrations that say put Block C next to Block A. WRONG! Block A is twice as long as Block C. What it should been printed is Block B. Looking at the illustration and checking the piece dimensions on the cut sheet, would find the error. Also saying put Fabric 3 Block A when the illustration clearly shows Fabric 1 Block A.
All these are typos. These were not free patterns, but patterns by well-known designers that the pattern cost was higher than the usual $12 pattern. Patternmakers need to thoroughly proofread their patterns and illustrations, or better yet, someone not very advanced in quilting read it and find the problems. Even better, learn technical writing through a course. That will prevent errors. And have several different detail oriented people proofread the pattern.
Thank you for watching and sharing. 🌻
Yep, typos can slip through in any pattern!!